Facts about Blood

What Is Blood?

Blood is one of the most important fluids in a human being's body. Blood transports oxygen and nutrition to the cells of the body and the removal of waste products from them. It further performs the function of maintaining homeostasis, protecting against diseases, and rendering service to the total organs of the body.

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This Story also Contains

1. What Is Blood?
2. Composition Of Blood
3. Blood Functions
4. Blood Types In Transfusions
5. Blood Disorders And Diseases
6. Blood Tests For Diagnosis
7. Role Of Blood In Medical Treatments
8. The Video Recommended For Facts About Blood

Knowing the composition of blood, functions, and related disorders is quite important in medical and biological studies. It helps diagnose and treat various health conditions, and hence the study is always ongoing for a student and healthcare professional.

Composition Of Blood

Blood is composed of different constituents that play different functions.

These are as follows:

Plasma

• Description: Liquid portion of blood

• Functions: Transfers nutrients, hormones, waste products

• Composition: 90% water, 10% proteins, electrolytes, nutrients

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

• Structure: Biconcave discs without nuclei

• Role: Transport of oxygen via haemoglobin

• Lifecycle: Formed in the bone marrow; living for approximately 120 days.

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

• Types: Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils

• Role: Fight infections and other foreign invaders

• Disorders: Leukemia, Lymphoma

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

• Structure: Small pieces of cells

• Function: Blood coagulation to avoid loss of blood from the body.

Blood Functions

Blood performs many vital functions in the human body:

Transport

• Oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and tissues.

• Nutrients from the digestive system to cells.

• Hormones and enzymes all over the body.

Regulation

• pH Balance for proper functioning of the body.

• Temperature of body

• Fluid balance

Protection

• Immune protection through leucocytes

• Blood clotting by thrombocytes.

Blood Types In Transfusions

Blood types in transfusions are important

ABO Blood Group System

• Explanation: Four main groups A, B, AB, O

• Compatibility: Crucial that transfused blood is compatible

Rh Factor

• Explanation: Rh positive or Rh negative

• Implications: Significant to pregnancy and transfusions.

Diagram: Blood Types

Blood Disorders And Diseases

The common blood disorders are as follows:-

Anaemia

• Types: Iron-deficiency, sickle cell, aplastic

• Symptoms: Fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath

• Treatment: Iron supplements, blood transfusions

Leukaemia

• Types: Acute, chronic

• Symptoms: Fatigue, frequent infections, bruising

• Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant

Haemophilia

• Types: Hemophilia A, B

• Genetic basis: X-linked recessive disorder

• Symptoms: Prolonged bleeding, easy bruising

• Treatment: Factor replacement therapy

Thrombocytopenia

• Causes: Low platelet count

• Symptoms: Bleeding, bruising

• Treatment: Medications, platelet transfusions

Blood Tests For Diagnosis

Blood tests are quite important in diagnosis:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Parameters measured: RBC count, WBC count, haemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets

Blood Smear

• Purpose: Examination of blood cells under a microscope

• Discloses: Form, magnitude, and count

Biochemical Tests

• Test parameters: Liver functions, kidney functions, sugar levels

Blood Typing

• Techniques: Blood group identification

• Importance: High in transfusions

Role Of Blood In Medical Treatments

Blood forms a significant portion of some treatments:

Blood Transfusions

• Indications: Anemia, Surgery, trauma

• Sample procedure: Transfer of donor blood into a patient

• Hazards: Allergic reactions, infections

Bone Marrow Transplants

• Indications: Leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anaemia

• Process: Replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.

Dialysis

• Role: Filters waste from blood in kidney failure

Conclusion

Blood has to be understood inside out so that many health-related problems can be diagnosed and treated. There will always be further research in haematology, which will lead to more sophisticated medical treatments and the creation of artificial blood, thus proving the role and importance of blood in keeping a person fit and healthy and in fighting diseases.

The Video Recommended For Facts About Blood